Chillicothe -- Steve Jones will become the sixth president of The Baptist Home when current president Larry Johnson steps down at the end of the year.

Meeting at The Home's Chillicothe campus June 6-7, board members unanimously chose Jones after a transition committee presented its recommendation during a closed session.

Standing with his wife, Kathie, when the announcement was made, Jones said she "deserves a lot of credit for my success."

"I count it a privilege and an honor to be a part of this great family of caregivers serving aging humanity. We have a great heritage and a wonderful future together," he said. "I look forward to building on the heritage of Larry and Jane [Johnson]" and other directors.

"We believe that Steve reflects and embodies the spirit of The Baptist Home, and we look forward to his tenure," transition committee chairman Ron Mackey said.

President since 1997, Johnson also voiced his approval. "I am so pleased with the work of the committee and the selection process. They have made an excellent choice," he said.

Johnson noted that choosing a successor now would ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted ministry at his retirement.

Jones has served The Baptist Home since 1991 when he became director of social services and chaplain at the Chillicothe campus. He became Chillicothe's administrator in 1993. He accepted the vice president's position in 2002.

In the past, he has served as pastor of Pleasant View Baptist Church, Garland, Kan.; minister of youth at Norfleet Baptist Church, Kansas City; and as pastor of First Baptist Church, Meadville.

He received a bachelor of arts degree in religion from Southwest Baptist University and a master of divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is licensed by the Missouri Board of Nursing Home Administrators.

In other action, The Home's trustees honored longtime donors Jess and Helen Flassing.

The Flassings have been "teapot savers," using coupons, estimating the cost of hanging clothes outside rather than using the dryer and implementing other cost-saving habits. They estimate the cost savings and put that money aside for The Home. For years Helen Flassing placed the money in a teapot in her home.

Larry and Jane Johnson will be honored at the Dec. 2-3 meeting in Ironton. The next board session is set for Sept. 12-13 at The Home's Ozark campus. (06-15-05)